Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device comprises a base having a generally planar top. The base is supported at a first height above a support surface by downwardly extending supports, or may be raised to a second height by one or more extendable feet. The exercise device may include an exercise tower rotatably mounted to the base and movable between a stored position under the base and a raised position in which it extends above the base. The base and tower may define one more exercise accessory attachment points or mounts and such accessories may be stored in a storage area associated with the tower.

PATENT RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/327,927, which was filed on Apr. 26, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of exercise equipment is known. In some instances, theequipment is very large and expensive, such as in the case ofelectronically-controlled treadmills and stepper machines. In otherinstances, the equipment is very heavy, such as in the case of freeweights and dumbbells. In both cases, these types of equipment are alsonot readily portable.

Some attempts have been made to develop exercise equipment which isrelatively small, simple and portable. However, this equipment generallysuffers from not being very effective. For example, simple stepplatforms are known for use in step exercises. However, this equipmentis limited to use in such exercises and cannot be readily used, forexample, for upper body exercises. Other equipment requires that theequipment be mounted to a door or other support structure, preventingthe equipment from being used in all locations.

A simple and effective exercise or training device remains desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention comprise an exercise device and a method ofutilizing an exercise device.

In one embodiment, the exercise device comprises a base or platformhaving a generally planar top. The base is supported at a first heightabove a support surface by downwardly extending supports, whereby aspace is defined under the base.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device includes one or moreextendable feet. The feet may be moved from a retracted position to anextended position. In the retracted position, the feet may be locatedunder the base and in a position in which the base is supported by thesupports. In the extended position, the feet may be extended outwardlyof the supports, whereby the base is supported at a second height(higher than the first height) above a support surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device also includes at leastone exercise tower. The exercise tower may be rotatably mounted to thebase so as to be movable between a stored position in which it islocated in the space under the base and a raised position in which itextends above the base, such as a position in which the tower extendsvertically upward from the base.

Both the base and the tower may define one more exercise accessoryattachment points or mounts. The mounts may comprise pins which spanopenings in the base and tower, the pins configured to have exercisedevices, such as resistance bands, connected thereto.

In one embodiment, various accessories may be stored in a storage areaassociated with the tower. The tower may define one or more storageopenings and one or more storage compartments or bags may be located inthose areas.

The exercise tower may also permit connection of resistive bands to anexterior thereof, thus permitting storage of the bands upon the tower.In one embodiment, the tower defines one or more pairs of slots formounting opposing ends of a resistive band, thus permitting the band tobe connected to the tower for storage.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, the exercise device shown with a towerthereof in a raised position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the exercise device in accordance with FIG. 1 withthe tower thereof in a retracted or stowed position; and

FIG. 3 illustrates the exercise device in accordance with Claim 1 withfeet thereof in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

One embodiment of the invention is an exercise device. In oneembodiment, because the exercise device has a “platform” typeconfiguration, the device may be referred to as an exercise platform.Aspects of the invention comprise an exercise device tower, an exerciseaccessory storage, and an exercise element mount.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise device or platform 20 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the exercise platform20 has a base 22. The base 22 preferably has a top or upper surface 24which is generally planar for supporting a user, or one or more parts ofa user, thereon. In one configuration, the base 22 is generallyrectangular, thus having a pair of opposing ends and a pair of opposingsides. In one embodiment, the base 22 might be about 40 inches long fromend-to-end and about 18 inches wide from side-to-side. Of course, theactual dimensions of the base 22 may vary, including based upon theintended use of the device. Further, the shape of the base 22 may vary.For example, the base 22 might be generally oval in shape, square or thelike. In this regard, the ends and/or sides of the base 22 need not bestraight or generally straight.

In one embodiment, the base 22 has one or more downwardly extendingsupports 26. The supports 26 preferably cause the base 22 to besupported above a support surface. As illustrated, the supports 26 areintegrated into the base 22 and extend downwardly from the ends andsides of the base 22. The supports 26 might also comprise elements whichare connected to the base 22. In one embodiment, the one or moresupports 26 might comprise downwardly extending side and/or end walls ofthe base 22.

As illustrated, the supports 26 support the base 22 primarily at itsfour corners. Of course, there might be a greater or lesser number ofsupports 26 and their location and/or configuration might vary. Forexample, additional supports might be located along the sides of thebase 22 for supporting the base at a middle section of each sidethereof. In another embodiment, the supports 26 might comprise adownwardly extending sidewall which extends around the periphery of thebase 22. As also illustrated, the supports 26 may slope outwardly fromthe base 22 in order to increase the footprint or dimension of thepoints of contact and to create a lever effect to increase the stabilityof the base 22 (by resisting tipping or rotation of the base 22 from itshorizontal position).

Because the base 22 is elevated, a storage space 28 is defined under thebase 22 (i.e. between a bottom or lower surface of the base 22 and asupport surface which is supporting the exercise device 20). The size ofthe storage space 28 depends upon the height of the supports 26. In oneembodiment, the supports 26 cause the top surface 24 of the base 22 tobe between 3 and 5 inches (such as about 3.75 inches) above a supportsurface. Of course, the height of the supports 26, and thus the heightof the base 22, may vary.

In one embodiment, the base 22 may define a plurality of exerciseaccessory or device mounts 30. The mounts 30 are configured to receiveor have one or more exercise accessories or devices connected thereto.As detailed below, such accessories might comprise one or more exercisebands.

The mounts 30 preferably comprise attachment points. In one embodiment,the base 22 defines one or more openings, apertures or cut-outs 32. Eachmount 30 may comprise a pin which extends into, or more preferably,spans, the opening. The size of the opening and the length of thecorresponding pin of each mount 30 may vary. In one embodiment, the pinsare generally 3-6 inches long, but they might be longer or shorter.Because the pins span the openings, a device connected thereto cannotslide off of the pin during use.

The base 22 may include multiple mounts 30. As illustrated, there is atleast one mount 30 at each end of the base 22, and a plurality of mountsat each side of the base. In one embodiment there are three mounts 30 ateach side of the base 22, the mounts 30 generally arranged in alignedpairs.

One or more of the mounts 30 might have a configuration other than asillustrated. For example, the mounts 30 might comprise rings or hookswhich extend from the base 22 or which extend into openings or the likein the base 22.

In one embodiment, the exercise device 20 includes extendable feet orlegs 34, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, thefeet 34 are moveable from a retracted position to an extended position.In the retracted position, the base 22 may be supported by the supports26 at a first height or distance above a support surface. In an extendedposition, the feet 34 preferably support the base 22 at a second heightor distance above a support surface, that second height being greaterthan the first height.

As illustrated, in one embodiment a foot 34 is located at each corner ofthe base 22, preferably at each support 26. Each foot 34 may have agenerally “L” shaped cross section and a length of about 2-6 inches. Inthis configuration the exercise device 20 has four feet 34. Of course,the device 20 might have a greater or lesser number of feet 34. Forexample, the exercise device 20 might have a single elongate foot 34 ateach end, rather than two separate feet 34 at each end.

Each foot 34 has a first end and a second or free end. Each foot 34 isconnected at its first end to a corresponding support 26. Such aconnection is preferably configured to permit the foot 34 to movebetween its retracted and extended positions. For example, each foot 34may be mounted to its corresponding support 26 for rotation, such as bymounting about a pin 36. The free end of each foot 34 is configured toengage a support surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates the feet 34 in a retracted position. As illustrated,the feet 34 are preferably located in the space 28 below the base 22,including the supports 26. In this position, the feet 34 do not extendbeyond the base 22 and thus do not pose a hazard or increase the profileof the exercise device 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates in the feet 34 in the extended position. In thisposition, the feet 34 extend beyond the base 22, raising the base 22upwardly relative to a support surface. As illustrated, the feet 34 maybe configured to extend outwardly into a sloping position, againincreasing the stability of the exercise device 20 during use.

At least one locking mechanism may be provided for maintaining the feet34 in their retracted and/or extended positions. For example, each foot34 may have a corresponding locking pin 38. The locking pin 38 may havea head which is located exterior to the corresponding support 26 and mayhave a free end located adjacent a foot 34. The pin 38 may be biasedinwardly towards the foot 34, such as by a spring. The pin 38 may belocated so that in its resting position it prevents movement of the foot34 from its retracted position to its extended position and back. If thepin 38 is pulled or moved outwardly, the free end of the pin 38 may bemoved to a position permitting such movement of the corresponding foot34. In this manner, the feet 34 may be maintained in the desiredposition and will not inadvertently move to an undesired position.

Of course, the feet 34 might have other configurations and their mannerof movement might vary. For example, the feet 34 might be configured totelescope or extend from the base 22, such as by a screw mechanism, bylinear extension, sliding or the like. The number of feet 34 might alsovary.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the exercisedevice 20 includes at least one exercise tower or ladder 50. Preferably,the tower 50 is usable with the base 22 in an upright or use position inwhich the tower 50 extends generally transverse to the base. Thus, whenthe base 22 is in a generally horizontal position, the tower 50 iscapable of being positioned generally vertically for use.

It is also possible for the feet 34 to comprise the supports 26. Forexample, the feet 34 may be located at the bottom or lower surface ofthe base 22. In their retracted position, the feet 34 may define astable support for the base 22 at a first height. In their extendedposition, the feet 34 may raise the base 22 to a second, higher height,in similar manner to that described above.

In one embodiment, the tower 50 is movable from a retracted or storedposition to the extended or “use” position. As indicated, in the useposition, the tower 50 preferably extends generally transverse to thetop surface 24 of the base 22. In a one embodiment, the tower 50 isrotatably connected to the base 22. In its retracted or stored position,the tower 50 preferably extends generally horizontally and may belocated in the space 28 under the base 22 (as best illustrated in FIGS.2 and 3). In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, the tower 50 isgenerally planar and thin in “depth” or thickness dimension, whereby itwill fit under the base 22 (and preferably when the feet 34 are in theirretracted position).

As illustrated, the tower 50 may have a first leg 52 and a second leg54. Each leg 52,54 may be positioned in a recess or cut-out at a firstend of the base 22 (or both legs 52,54 might be located in a commoncut-out or recess, or they might be located at opposing sides of thebase 22). Each leg 52,54 may be mounted to a pin or axle (the legs 52,54might be connected to a common pin or axle), thus permitting the legs52,54 to rotate relative to the base 22. Similar to the feet 34 of thebase, means may be provided for selectively maintaining the tower 50 ina fixed position. This means may comprise one or more locking pins orother locking mechanisms which, at a minimum, allow the tower 50 to belocked in its upright or “use” position. Preferably, a user canselectively disengage the locking pins or other mechanism to allow thetower 50 to be moved from its upright or use position to a storedposition and/or from the stored position to the use position. It isnoted that the tower 50 might have more than two legs or only a singleleg or mount portion for connection to the base 22, and the manner ofmounting/rotation might vary from that described herein.

The tower 50 may have a variety of configurations. As illustrated, thetower 50 has a base portion 56, a middle portion 58 and a top portion60. In one embodiment, the base portion 56 spans the two legs 52,54. Thebase portion 56 may define a plurality of exercise accessory or devicemounts 62, similar to the mounts 30 of the base 22.

The top portion 60 may be configured similar to the base portion 56,thus defining a plurality of mounts 62. The total height of the tower 50may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the tower 50 is about 36-40inches long, and most preferably about 38 inches long. The length of thetower 50 is preferably less than the length of the base 22, whereby thetower 50 does not extend or protrude beyond the end of the base 22 whenthe tower 50 is in its stored position.

In one embodiment, the middle portion 58 is defined by intersectingstruts arranged in an “X” configuration. These struts extend upwardlyfrom opposing sides of the base portion 56 to opposing sides of the topportion 60. In this configuration, the top portion 60 is spaced from thebase portion 56.

The struts define recessed side areas 64 of the tower 50 at the middleportion 56 thereof. In addition, the struts define a lower opening 66between them and the base portion 56 and an upper opening 68 betweenthem and the top portion 60. In the configuration described andillustrated, the position of the struts causes these openings to begenerally triangular in shape.

In one embodiment, the tower 50 is configured to be used with variousexercise accessories or devices and to store various exerciseaccessories or devices. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tower 50 may beconfigured to support a plurality of exercise bands B for storage. Inone embodiment, the bands B may be attached the tower 50 at the sidesthereof. For example, one or more pairs of corresponding slots 68 may bedefined in the struts at the recessed side areas 64. End portions ofbands B may be located in these slots 68, whereby the bands B span therecessed side areas 64 during storage. As illustrated, there may bemultiple pairs of slots 68 at each side of the tower 50, such as threepairs of slots per side, whereby three bands B may be stored at eachside of the tower. As illustrated, the slots 68 are located in therecessed side areas 64, whereby the bands B are stored in those areasand do not protrude or extend beyond the tower 50.

As also illustrated, the exercise device 20 may comprise a storagecompartment or bag 70. The storage compartment or bag 70 may have one ormore openings leading to an interior area. The openings may beselectively openable and closeable, permitting items to be retained inthe interior area and permitting items to be placed into and removedfrom the interior area. The storage compartment 70 might comprise, forexample, a bag defined by a generally flexible fabric material.

In one embodiment, the storage compartment or bag 70 may be shaped andsized to fit the upper and/or lower opening 66,68 in the tower 50. Forexample, as illustrated, the storage compartment or bag 70 may begenerally triangular in shape so that it fits within the upper opening68.

Means may be provided for securing the storage compartment or bag 70 inthe opening. Such means might comprise one or more fasteners. Suchfasteners might comprise mating hook and loop fastening material,straps, buttons or the like.

The storage compartment or bag 70 might be integrated into the tower 50.For example, the tower 50 might define a compartment, such as having oneside which is closed and having another with a lid or the like which maybe opened, and wherein an interior area is defined in the tower 50.Further, the shape of the storage compartment or bag 70 may vary, suchas depending upon the shape of the tower 50 and/or the openings therein.For example, the tower 50 might define a single centrally located ovalor quadrilateral-shaped opening and the storage compartment or bag 70may be shaped and/or sized to fit in that opening. Where there aremultiple openings, as illustrated, multiple storage compartments or bags70 might be provided and/or used.

The exercise device 20 may have other features and configurations. Forexample, as illustrated, a pad 72 may be associated with the top 24 ofthe base 22. The pad 72 might be connected to the top 24 of the base 22,be inset into the base and/or be integrated with the base. In oneembodiment, the base 22 is constructed of a generally or substantiallyrigid material. Preferably, the pad 72 comprises a cushion or arelatively soft/pliable material which is comfortable when engaged by auser. The pad 72 may thus define at least a portion of theuser-engageable top portion of the exercise device 20, thus presenting auser-friendly surface. The pad 72 may have an outer surface comprising adurable material, however, so that it sustains long term use.

The exercise device 20 may also include at least one handle 74. Thehandle 74 may be defined by the base 22, such as by comprising anopening or a molded extension thereof, or it might comprise a memberwhich is connected or mounted to the base 22. For example, the handle 74may comprise an element which is integral to the base 22 and whichextends outwardly from one of the sides thereof. The exercise device 20might have additional handles and/or handles in other locations orconfigurations. An advantage of the side-mounted handle is that thehandle 74 permits a user to carry or transport the exercise device 20with its longest dimension oriented generally horizontally and itsshortest dimension oriented vertically. This allows the user to carrythe exercise device 20 at their side (with their arm extended down tothe handle 74, in a “resting” position of the arm, rather than in araised position where the user must lift the exercise device to carryit) without the exercise device 20 hitting the ground.

The exercise device 20 may include or be used with various exercisedevices or accessories. As illustrated and as detailed above, suchaccessories might include one or more bands B. The bands B may beresistive elements (the bands resist stretching and thus are able tocreate a resistive exercise force). The bands B might have variousresistances. The bands B may be configured with one or more connectors,such as a connector at each end, permitting them to be connected to theexercise device 20. In particular, the ends of the bands B may beconnected to the mounts 30 associated with the base 22 and/or the mounts62 associated with the tower 50.

The accessories might also include one or more ankle cuffs, wristbands/handles or the like, such as for grasping one end of a band B orconnecting one end of a band B to a user.

The exercise device 20, including its various components, may beconstructed in various manners and from a variety of components. Forexample, the base 22 and tower 50 might be molded from plastic or asimilar durable material. The exercise device 20 might have variouscolors or have other aesthetic features.

In one embodiment, the exercise device 20 might include only the base 22and no tower 50. In yet another embodiment, the exercise device 20 mightinclude tower 50 located at a side, rather than an end of the base 22.In yet another embodiment, the exercise device 20 might include multipletowers 50, such as a tower located at each end of the base 22.

The tower 50 might be connected to the base 20 in other fashions. Forexample, the tower 50 might slide along a track or have pins that engagemating grooves or slots in the base 22 in a manner permitting movementof the tower 50 as detailed above.

The exercise device 20 has a number of features and benefits. Forexample, the exercise device 20 is compact, simple in design and thuslightweight and portable. For transport and storage, the feet 34 andtower 50 may be moved to their retracted positions, thus reducing theprofile of the exercise device 20.

The exercise device 20 may be utilized with the tower 50 in its storedor use positions. For example, to use the exercise device 20 as a stepor to lie upon the device, a user may retain the tower 50 in its storedposition. A user may extend the tower 50 to connect resistive bands oraccessories thereto for engaging in various other exercises. During useof the tower 50, the user may stand upon the base 22.

A particular advantage of the invention is the retractable tower 50. Thetower 50 enables connection of various exercise devices in a wide rangeof positions, thus enabling a user to engage in wide range of exercisesfor both the upper and lower body. However, the tower 50 can beretracted for storage and transport, as well as to permit use of theentire planar top 24 of the base 22. An advantage of the invention isthat the tower 50 does not have to be connected to or disconnected fromthe base 22. Instead, the rotatable connection of the tower 50 plus theunder-base 22 storage permit use and storage of the tower withoutdisconnecting/connecting it and the user-base storage provide storagewithout the device 20 having to have a storage compartment.

Another advantage of the invention is that the base 22 may be raised andlowered by the retractable feet 34. This represents a significantadvantage over exercise devices which cannot be raised, and represents asignificant advantage over raising devices by resting them on risers(where such stacking may cause the platform to be unstable and requiresthat a user have separate riser elements).

An advantage of the closed configuration of the mounts 30 (wherein a pinspans a closed opening, rather than a cutout having an open side) isthat inadvertent catching of items upon the mounts 30 is generallyprevented (as illustrated, the sides and ends of the base 22 are closedand generally smooth). Further, the rigidity and strength of the base 30are maintained.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

1. An exercise device comprising: a base, said base having a generallyplanar top; at least one exercise device mount associated with saidbase; a plurality of supports configured support said base a firstdistance above a support surface; a plurality of feet, said feetconfigured to be moved from a retracted position to an extendedposition, said feet in said extended position supporting said base asecond distance above a support surface, said second distance greaterthan said first distance, said feet in said retracted positionpermitting said base to be supported by said supports; at least onetower, said at least one tower rotatably connected to said base andmoveable between a storage position under said base and a raisedposition in which said tower extends upwardly above said base; anexercise device storage compartment associated with said tower; and atleast one exercise device mount associated with said tower